How does ELD compliance with Samsara work?

How Samsara's ELD works

Samsara's electronic logging device is an FMCSA-registered and third-party certified ELD that helps commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) comply with Hours of Service regulations. ELDs connect directly to a vehicle's engine through the OBD port. Live data is transmitted to the ELD, providing accurate logs of engine status, vehicle speed, diagnostic information, and safety events such as harsh braking or acceleration.

Drivers record their hours through the Samsara Driver App, selecting whether they are on-duty, off-duty, or driving. The engine data and drivers' records of duty status combine to form a complete and tamper-proof picture of compliance with the ELD rule.

Fleet managers can monitor all electronic logs and engine data through the Samsara dashboard. If drivers are nearing or in violation of Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, Samsara provides real-time alerts, enabling managers to act proactively and keep their fleets compliant.

Learn how XPO reduced unassigned miles by 99% week-over-week, using Samsara's start-of-shift workflow.

Can Samsara's ELD maintain compliance when there's no cell coverage?

Yes. Samsara gateways come with a WiFi hotspot that allows mobile devices to connect directly to the gateway without the need for cellular data plans. This ensures that the ELD can transmit necessary engine status updates to the driver's device, even in areas without cellular coverage. Fleet managers and drivers can remain confident in compliance at all times, regardless of connectivity.

Learn how Emery Sapp & Sons gained real-time fleet visibility and streamlined HOS compliance with the Samsara ELD compliance system.

How do drivers maintain their driving logs?

Drivers operating CMVs can easily present accurate HOS logs during DOT roadside inspections using the Samsara Driver App—ensuring compliance with the ELD mandate. Through the app, drivers can:

• Set their duty status (e.g., on-duty, off-duty, driving).

• Review and certify their Hours of Service (HOS) logs.

• Receive real-time alerts to proactively avoid violations.

The Driver App simplifies compliance by automatically creating driving segments when the vehicle is in motion. When a driver starts their day, they set their status to “On Duty” in the app. The app automatically switches the status to “Driving” when the vehicle reaches 5 miles per hour and reverts to “On Duty” if the vehicle remains stationary for 5 minutes.

Because Samsara’s ELD devices come equipped with a WiFi hotspot, carriers do not need to purchase separate cellular data plans. Drivers can use their personal mobile devices connected to the provided WiFi to meet the requirements of the ELD mandate.

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Simplify compliance for your drivers and back office with intuitive, easy-to-use tools.

Can drivers edit their logs?

Due to FMCSA regulations, drivers cannot edit automatically recorded driving segments. However, drivers can make edits to their HOS logs in the Samsara Driver App in cases of forgotten status changes or errors. All edits require annotations, as mandated by the DOT and ELD regulations, ensuring compliance and transparency. 

While most drivers operating CMVs must comply with the ELD mandate, exemptions apply in certain cases, such as limited RODS or specific short-haul operations. Learn more about federal regulations in our ELD exemption guide, comprehensive ELD mandate explainer, or our complete guide to HOS.

Team driving

Samsara’s ELD compliance solution also supports team driving. Teams of two or more drivers can seamlessly manage their HOS logs from a single device using the “Driving Team” feature within the Samsara Driver App. This ensures accurate logging for both drivers and full compliance with FMCSA regulations.

How do fleet managers monitor HOS violations?

Samsara provides fleet managers with real-time visibility into driver compliance. Using the Samsara dashboard, managers can:

• Review the Hours of Service Report to see drivers' current duty status, how long they’ve been in that status, time remaining until their break, and the total time left in their driving period, shift, and cycle.

• Access the Hours of Service Violations Report, which consolidates all information on driver violations and missing certifications. Managers can quickly identify and address issues such as exceeded shift limits or missed rest breaks.

These tools allow fleet managers to take proactive action, ensuring their fleets remain safe, compliant, and operationally efficient.

Want to learn more about the benefits of ELDs? Learn how Dohrn Transfer Company streamlined ELD compliance and optimized their 600+ asset fleet with Samsara’s integrated solution for real-time data and connected operations.

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To learn more about how Samsara can help you remain compliant, explore Samsara’s ELD compliance system and get in touch with our team today.